Rising from the Ashes (Andrew and Lauren)

Jameson's voice turned serious as he said, "How is this fair? This whole thing should've been the Rhodes family's responsibility. We can't just dump it on Andy. Tomorrow, I'll bring a generous gift and head over to the Driscolls to make things clear."

Tiana scoffed coldly. "You really think you can just explain it away? Joe's proud and stubborn-he won't listen to a word. Back when he came over with a proposal, we gave a subtle refusal, remember? But did it work? He left the engagement gifts anyway, completely airtight in his approach."

Lauren sneered, "You can call it airtight, or you can call it what it really is- coercion. The Driscolls are one of the Three Titans. They think that just because they've got power, they can do whatever they want in the Gabo Creek region."

She continued, "And Joe? He only met me a few times before deciding he wanted to marry me. The whole thing reeks of dominance, of bullying families like ours just because they can."

Tiana let out a long sigh. "You're right, sweetheart. It is bullying. It is coercion. But your dad and I had no choice. And at the time... I'll admit it—I hesitated. I thought maybe this wasn't such a bad thing.

"If Joe married you, our entire Rhodes family would be lifted up, and you'd never have to struggle again. But then Andrew showed up. And today, he saved me, saved your dad, and saved this entire family. And even this stubborn old heart of mine began to waver."

Lauren said firmly, "Andrew has already done too much for me. I don't want him to be the only one fighting. I'll talk to the Driscolls about the proposal myself."

Tiana frowned. "Nonsense. You're just a young woman. What makes you think you can make a family like the Driscolls back off? Besides, your dad and I would never let you take that risk alone!"

Andrew gave a helpless smile. "Mrs. Rhodes, you barged in here and said all this just to get me to step in, right? Fine, I won't hold it against you. For Lauren's sake, I'll deal with the Driscolls."

Tiana beamed with satisfaction. "Now that's what I like to hear. Guess we really did get to know each other by fighting. I couldn't stand the sight of you at first, but now... I don't know, I kinda like you. Feels like I've got another son."

Jameson rolled his eyes. "Yeah, right. You like him now because he's powerful. If he didn't show what he could do today, you'd have kicked him out the door without a second thought."

Tiana snapped, "Jameson, what did you just say?"noveldrama

Jameson looked up at the sky and smacked his lips. "Andy, the weather's great today. How about we grab a drink later, just us guys, and celebrate?"

Tiana clenched her teeth. "No drinking! I don't care if Andrew becomes part of this family-this house still answers to me!"

Once again, Andrew got a full taste of Tiana's fiery temper. Poor Jameson was totally whipped. Sometimes, being under the wife's thumb was a curse.

"Andrew, come with me for a moment. Jameson, you take Lauren to get something to eat," Tiana said, then turned and strode out.

Andrew was

not sure what the most

cunning, unpredictable, and

dangerous woman in the Rhodes

family wanted now, but he was not worried. He gave Lauren a

reassuring nod, then followed Tiana out without hesitation.

They walked in silence, one after the other, through the estate until they reached a hidden garden nestled deep in the back. Towering hedges and lush flowers surrounded them on all sides, making the space completely secluded.

Tiana finally stopped in the center, turned around, and smiled. "You know why I brought you here, don't you?"

Andrew shook his head. "No idea."

Her smile vanished. In the blink of an eye, a dagger slipped into her hand, and like a striking viper, she lunged at Andrew's throat. Her move was sharp fast, and deadly. It was obvious that she was not back.

wning

She growled, "Sorry, Andrew... but I have to kill you!"

Her sudden betrayal came so quickly that it felt surreal, faster than flipping a

page. For the first time in a long while, Andrew felt a surge of deep, burning anger rise from his chest.

With a cold snort, he stomped down hard, his body sliding backward in a controlled retreat.

"Tiana, you insane woman! I saved your family-saved you-and this is how you thank me? You still want more?"

When she could not land the strike, Tiana's expression twisted in frustration. She gritted her teeth and chased after him with even more force.

She uttered, "Andrew, I know you're furious, but I had no choice. If I kill you now, Lauren will stop clinging to you. She'll marry into the Driscolls peacefully and live a life of luxury and safety.

"Moreover, Jameson won't be dragged into your mess either!"

She had missed her first strike, but she did not stop. The dagger came slashing again, faster and fiercer than before.